A beautiful woman approaches as the man looks at the invitation. With her long blonde hair, blood red lips, and Louboutin heels, she saunters up to Murph with an air of confidence I will never possess. I immediately tense up.

“Good evening,” she says as her perfectly manicured hand lands gently on Murph’s arm. “I’ll take them in, Thomas.” Without another question, the man at the door hands the invitation back to Murph, and the woman guides us in. I watch disbelieving as she loops her arm into his like I wasn’t even there. It all happens so fast that I’m left defenseless.

“We were so sorry to hear about Ms. Whitaker’s failing health. She did let us know she’d be sending the two of you here, and I wanted to make sure I caught you at the door before the wolves get you.”

“What are you talking about?” he asks, his brow showing his skepticism.

“Oh fuck, where are my manners?” She blurts out while we’re still far enough away from the crowd. “I’m Tia Quentin. Mayor Quentin’s daughter. I always loved Hazel, and she was the only person I ever wanted to hang out with at these things. She and I used to sneak out the upstairs balcony and get high.” She let out a cute giggle, but I’m still too intimidated by her to let myself relax. When I look at Murph, I see that his mouth has lifted into a small smirk at the corners, which is his version of a smile.

“Anyway, her partner called me to let me know she wouldn’t be able to come and was sending you two instead. I’m supposed to show you the ropes and prepare you for what you’re about to walk into.”

“And what’s that?” Murph asks, shoulders squared.

“The vultures are ready to scavenge. They want that shop of yours, first of all. And once they get that, they’re ready to make off with the rest of Hazel’s real estate. She’s got her hands in everything in town, and she’s the only reason this whole town isn’t as insufferable as this fucking golf club. So, you know…” she puts her hand on her hip, winking at Murph. “You have an ally.”

“Well, thanks,” he says, and my heart plummets to my gut.

“Anytime,” she says squeezing his arm harder. I really don’t want to like this girl, but her charisma and down-to-earth charm make it very hard. She lets his arm go and begins to walk into the fray, motioning for us to follow.

Before Murph walks away, he turns toward me, extending his bent arm for me to take it, and I do, gripping his thick jacket in my hands.

When we enter the ballroom, I can feel all of the eyes on us. We could not look more out of place. Maybe it’s in my head, but I swear people start whispering with each other as we pass through the crowd.

Murph moves his hand behind my body and rests it against my hip, pulling me closer to him. It helps to ease some of my tension. I can’t help but keep my head down, hiding my face from anyone who might try to recognize me—just in case Hugo’s reach has extended this far.